Athletic ball carrier

ABSTRACT

An athletic ball carrier comprising a retaining portion for retaining a ball and a carrying portion. The retaining portion includes a shell having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a concave cavity. The shell has an outer edge defining an opening for receiving the ball into the cavity. The retaining portion includes a main strap connected to the edge of the shell and extending around the opening. The retaining portion also includes a flap extending across the opening to selectively secure the ball within the shell. The flap may be substantially triangularly shaped, and includes a base connected to the main strap and a point opposite the base. The retaining portion has a connection device connected to the point and the main strap which releaseably connects the flap to the shell. The carrying portion includes a carrying strap having opposite ends connected to the main strap.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of prior-filedco-pending provisional patent application Serial No. 60/375,181, filedApr. 24, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to carrying devices, more particularlycarrying devices for athletic balls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A wide variety of activities, athletics, or sports utilize sometype of ball. Transporting the ball to a location to participate in thesport or activity may be difficult due to a variety of circumstances,such as the size of the ball, the size of conventional bags, thedistance to a location, the mode of transportation used to get to thedesired location, and the size of the person transporting the ball. Forexample, it may be difficult, especially for children, to carry abasketball and safely ride a bike. A basketball may be relatively largeand require the dedicated use of at least one hand to carry the ball.Additionally, basketballs may be too large to fit in some conventionalbags, such as backpacks, and bags large enough to carry a basketball,such as a large duffel bag, may be cumbersome and inconvenient whileriding a bike or walking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A carrier embodying the invention provides an apparatus that mayretain a ball and may be conveniently carried by a person. The carriercomprises a retaining portion and a carrying portion. The retainingportion may retain an athletic ball, and the carrying portion may assista person to carry the carrier by hand or over a shoulder. The retainingportion may include a shell or straps that form a main cavity, and aflap interconnected to the main cavity. The carrying portion may includea shoulder strap having an adjustable length.

[0005] Independent features and independent advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewof the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodyingaspects of the invention.

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodyingaspects of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodyingaspects of the invention.

[0011]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5.

[0012]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5.

[0013]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodyingaspects of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 8.

[0015]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 8.

[0016]FIG. 11 is a side view of an athletic ball carrier embodyingaspects of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 12 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0018]FIG. 13 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0019]FIG. 14 is a top view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0020]FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0021] Before the constructions and aspects of the invention areexplained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and thearrangements of components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherconstructions and aspects and of being practiced or of being carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

[0022] Although references may be made below to directions, such asleft, right, up, down, top, bottom, front, rear, back, etc., indescribing the drawings, these references are made relative to thedrawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are notintended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in anyform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates an athletic ball carrier 10 that may be used totransport or retain an athletic ball B, such as a basketball, soccerball, volleyball, football, playground ball, bowling ball, or othersimilar athletic ball. In the illustrated construction, the athleticball B retained by the ball carrier 10 includes a basketball. Thecarrier 10 includes a retaining portion 14 that may retain the athleticball B, and a carrying portion 18 that may help a person carry thecarrier 10 and ball B. The retaining portion 14 includes a shell 20having a substantially hemispherical bowl shape that defines a cavity22. The shell 20 includes an outer edge 24 that defines an opening 26for the cavity 22. The carrier 10 may receive the athletic ball B intothe main cavity 22 through the opening 26.

[0024] The carrier 10 may include several straps that provide structurefor the carrier 10. In the illustrated construction, the retainingportion 14 includes a main strap 30 extending around the outer edge 24of the shell 20. In FIGS. 1-3, the main strap 30 is a closed loop thatsubstantially defines the opening 26 of the cavity 22. When the ball Bis positioned within the shell 20, the main strap 30 substantiallyextends around the circumference of the ball B. The main strap 30 mayform a loop slightly larger than the circumference of the ball B toaccommodate the other supporting members while also allowing the ball tobe inserted into the carrier 10. However, the loop of the main strap 30should not be so large that the ball B cannot be securely retainedwithin the carrier 10.

[0025] In the illustrated construction, the retaining portion 14includes two retaining straps 34, 38 interconnected to the main strap 30and at least partially forming the shell 20. The retaining straps 34, 38and the shell 20 may support the ball B within in the carrier 10. Theends of each retaining strap 34, 38 may be interconnected to oppositesides of the main strap 30. The retaining straps 34, 38 may intersectnear an end portion 42 of the retaining portion 14, and may be fastenedto one another at the end portion 42. The retaining straps 34, 38 may befastened to one another or the main strap 30 using mechanical means,such as sewn or riveted, or chemical means, such as glue or adhesive, orother similar fastening means.

[0026] The shell 20 has a generally round, circular, or partiallyspherical shape. In FIG. 3, the main strap 30 has a substantially fullcircle or loop shape, and the retaining straps 34, 38 have asubstantially half circle shape. The retaining straps 34, 38 may besubstantially transverse to one another. Alternatively, the cavity 22could include other configurations and numbers of retaining straps. Forexample, the cavity 22 could include three substantiallyquarter-circular retaining straps extending from the end portion 42 tothe main strap 30, three half-circular retaining straps, or othercombinations of straps to form the bowl shaped cavity 22. It is notnecessary that the retaining straps be spaced equidistantly around themain strap 30.

[0027] The main cavity 22 may include apertures 46 defined by the mainstrap 30 and the retaining straps 34, 38. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, theshell 20 may include panels 48 positioned adjacent the apertures 46 andattached to the main strap 30 and retaining straps 34, 38. The carrier10 may include panels 48 positioned in all, none, or any combination ofthe apertures 46. The carrier 10 may include separate panels 48 in eachaperture 46, or one or more panels 48 covering multiple apertures 46.The panels 48 may also form the hemisphere-shaped shell 20 that coversall of the apertures 46, and the retaining straps 34, 38 may reinforcethe shell 20. The panels 48 may provide additional stability for theshell 20, and may help retain the ball B within the cavity 22.Additionally, the panels 48 may help prevent the straps 30, 34, 38 frombecoming entangled or caught on objects when the ball B is not retainedwithin the carrier 10, and the panels 48 may make it easier to insertthe ball B into the carrier 10. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the shell 20including panels 48 and the retaining straps 34, 38.

[0028]FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of the carrier 10 including theshell 20 having the retaining straps 34, 38, but not having panelscovering the apertures 46 between the retaining straps 34, 38. In thisconstruction, the main strap 30 and retaining straps 34, 38 define thecavity 22.

[0029] The retaining portion 14 also includes a flap 50 for retainingthe ball B within the carrier 10. In FIGS. 2-3, the flap 50 has asubstantially triangular shape or V-shape, and includes a flap strap 54interconnected to the main strap 30. The flap 50 may also include a flappanel 58 interconnected to the flap strap 54 and main strap 30. The flap50 may include a base end 62 interconnected to the main strap 30, and aconnection end 66, or point, opposite the base end 62. The connectionend 66 is releasably interconnected to the main strap 30. In FIG. 3, aconnection strap 70 extends from the main strap 30. The connection strap70 and the base end 62 may be connected to the main strap 30 on oppositesides of the opening 26.

[0030] The carrier 10 may include a connection device 74 that releasablyconnects the connection end 66 to the connection strap 70 and main strap30. The length of the connection strap 70 between the main strap 30 andthe connection device 74 may be adjusted. As shown in FIG. 1, when theball B is positioned within the cavity 22, the flap 50 may be placedover the ball B, and the connection end 66 may be attached to theconnection strap 70 with the connection device 74 to secure the ball Bwithin the retaining portion 14. The connection device 74 may bedisconnected to release the connection end 66 from the connection strap70 and permit the ball B to be removed from the carrier 10.

[0031] In the illustrated construction, the connection device 74includes a side release clasp having a male end 82 and a female end 86.In FIG. 3 the male end 82 is interconnected to the connection strap 70,and the female end 86 is interconnected to the connection end 66. Themale end 82 may be releasably connected to the female end 86. In otheraspects and in other constructions, the male end 82 and female end 86 ofthe connection device 74 may be reversed between the connection strap 70and connection end 66. The connection device 74 may also include otherreleasable connection apparatus, such as velcro, snaps, buckles, orother similar apparatus.

[0032]FIG. 1 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 10 withthe connection device 74 connecting the connection end 66 to the mainstrap 30, and the flap 50 securing the ball B within the retainingportion 14. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the carrier 10 with the connectiondevice 74 disconnected and the connection end 66 separated from the mainstrap 30.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the flap panel 58 includes a pocket 90 forconveniently storing a wallet, money, keys, ID card, or other smallitems. The pocket 90 may include an opening closed with a hook, loop,zipper, velcro, clasp, tie, binding, snap, button or other similarclosure device. Alternatively, the pocket 90 may include overlappingportions and have no closure device. The flap panel 58 may includemultiple sections to provide a nonplanar surface that may take asemi-spherical shape when the clasp 78 is closed.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the carrying portion 18 may include ashoulder strap 94 interconnected to the main strap 30. The shoulderstrap 94 extends from the main strap 30 in a direction opposite the maincavity 22 and retaining straps 34, 38. The shoulder strap 94 mayfacilitate carrying or transporting the carrier 10. For example, aperson may grip the shoulder strap 94 with his/her hands, or theshoulder strap 94 may be slung over a person's shoulder for hands-freecarrying of the carrier 10. The shoulder strap 94 is preferably longenough to provide adequate room for a person to grip the carrier 10 orcarry the carrier 10 over his/her shoulder.

[0035] The length of the shoulder strap 94 may be adjustable. In theillustrated construction, one end of the shoulder strap 94 passesthrough a loop 98 and is reconnected to the shoulder strap 94 at atri-glide clasp 102. The loop 98 may be positioned adjacent theintersection of the shoulder strap 94 and the main strap 30. Slack inthe shoulder strap 94 may be taken in or let out by moving the tri-glide102 along the shoulder strap 94 to adjust the length of the shoulderstrap 94. To decrease the relative length of the shoulder strap 94, thetri-glide 102 may be moved along the shoulder strap 94 away from theloop 98. Conversely, to increase the relative length of the shoulderstrap 94, the tri-glide 46 may be moved along the shoulder strap 94toward the loop 98. The loop 98 and tri-glide 102 may be made from arigid material, such as plastic, metal, or other similar materials.Additionally, the shoulder strap 94 may include a releasable clasp,similar to clasp 78, or the shoulder strap 94 may be interconnected tothe main strap 30 with releasable hooks.

[0036] In the illustrated construction, the ends of the shoulder strap94 are fastened to the main strap 30 adjacent the ends of the retainingstrap 34. The retaining strap 34 and shoulder strap 94 may includeseparate interconnected straps, or may be a single integral strapfastened to the main strap 30. Similarly, the retaining strap 38 and theconnection strap 70 may be separate straps or a single integral strapthat extends beyond the main strap 30. The orientation of the retainingstraps 34, 38, connection strap 70, flap 50, and shoulder strap 94 inrelation to one another and the main strap 30 may vary.

[0037] The main strap 30, retaining straps 34, 38, flap strap 54,connection strap 70, and shoulder strap 94 are preferable made from adurable flexible material, such nylon, polypropylene webbing, or asimilar material. Alternatively, the straps 30, 34, 38, 54, 70, 94 maybe made from an elastic material that may stretch to adjust or conformto the size of the ball, and help retain the ball within the carrier 10.The flap panel 58 is preferably made of a durable material such as nylonor some other similar material. In the illustrated construction, thepanels 48 are made from a mesh material. In other constructions, thepanels 48 may be made from a solid material, such as nylon, similar tothe flap panel 58.

[0038]FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of the carrier 10 in which theapertures 46 are open and do not include panels 48 (FIG. 3). Theretaining straps 34, 38 may retain the ball without panels 48 (FIG. 2).As described above, the opening 26 defined by the main strap 30 is largeenough to permit a ball to be placed in the main cavity 22. In theconstruction illustrated in FIG. 4, the apertures 46 should be smallenough to prevent the ball from passing through the apertures 46 andretain the ball within the main cavity 22.

[0039] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate other aspects and other constructions of acarrier 110. In FIGS. 5-7, the retaining portion 14 includes ahemispherically shaped shell 120 defining a cavity 122. The carrier 110shown in FIGS. 5-7 is substantially similar to the carrier 10 shown inFIGS. 1-4. However, the carrier 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7 does not includeretaining straps, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In FIGS. 5-7, the shell 120comprises a mesh material, and may include a single portion or panel, ormultiple portions or panels fastened to one another. The shell 120 maybe flexible to permit easy storage of the carrier when not in use, andmay be lightweight to minimize the overall weight of the carrier 110when carrying the ball.

[0040]FIG. 5 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 110 withthe connection device 74 connected and the flap 50 securing the ball Bwithin the retaining portion 14. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate the carrier 110with the connection device 74 disconnected and the connection end 66separated from the main strap 30. Other aspects and elements of thecarrier 110 are substantially the same as the carrier 10 describedabove, and include the same reference numerals.

[0041] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate other aspects and other constructions of acarrier 210. In FIGS. 8-10, the retaining portion 14 includes ahemispherically shaped shell 220 defining a cavity 222. In theillustrated construction, the shell 220 comprises a solid material orfabric. The shell 220 may be an opaque material, and may permit printingof graphics or wording on the shell 220.

[0042]FIG. 8 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 210 withthe connection device 74 connected and the flap 50 securing the ballwithin the retaining portion 14. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the carrier 210with the connection device 74 disconnected and the connection end 66separated from the main strap 30. Other aspects and elements of thecarrier 210 are substantially the same as the carriers 10, 110 describedabove, and include the same reference numerals.

[0043] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate additional views of the carrier 110similar to the carrier 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7. FIGS. 11-13 illustratevarious side views of the carrier retaining a ball B, FIG. 14illustrates a top view of the carrier 110, and FIG. 15 illustrates abottom view of the carrier 110. In FIGS. 11-15, the carrier generallyconforms to the shape of the ball B.

[0044] The foregoing detailed description describes only a few of themany forms that the present invention can take, and should therefore betaken as illustrative rather than limiting. It is only the claims,including all equivalents that are intended to define the scope of theinvention.

1. An athletic ball carrier comprising: a shell having a substantiallyhemispherical shape and defining a cavity, the shell having an outeredge extending around the shell and defining an opening for the cavity;a flap extending across the opening, the flap having a first endconnected to the outer edge, and a second end releasably connected tothe outer edge opposite the first end; and a carrying strap havingopposite ends of the carrying strap connected to the outer edge.
 2. Thecarrier of claim 1, wherein the carrying strap has a length that isadjustable.
 3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a mainstrap extending around the outer edge, the main strap being a closedloop and defining the opening.
 4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein theshell includes two retaining straps, each retaining strap having bothends connected to opposite sides of the main strap, the retaining strapsintersecting one another.
 5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the flaphas a substantially triangular shape, the first end including a baseconnected to the outer edge and the second end including a pointopposite the base, the flap having a connection device connected to thepoint and releaseably connecting the point and the outer edge.
 6. Thecarrier of claim 5, wherein the connection device includes a clasphaving a first portion connected to the point, and a second portionconnected to the main strap.
 7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein theclasp includes a side release clasp, the first portion including one ofa male portion and a female portion, and the second portion includingthe other of the male portion and the female portion.
 8. The carrier ofclaim 1, wherein the flap includes a pocket.
 9. The carrier of claim 1,wherein the shell includes a mesh material.
 10. The carrier of claim 1,wherein the shell includes a solid material.
 11. The carrier of claim 1,wherein the shell includes multiple interconnected panels.
 12. Anathletic ball carrier comprising: a retaining portion for retaining aball, the retaining portion including: a shell having a substantiallyhemispherical shape and defining a concave cavity at least partiallyenclosing the ball and having an opening for receiving the ball, theretaining portion having a main strap connected to an edge of the shelland extending around the opening, the main strap being a closed loop andhaving a circumference greater than the circumference of the ball; aflap extending across the opening to selectively secure the ball withinthe shell, the flap being substantially triangularly shaped and having abase connected to the main strap and a point opposite the base, theretaining portion having a connection device connected to the point andthe main strap and releaseably connecting the flap to the shell; and acarrying strap having opposite ends connected to the main strap, thecarrying strap having a length that is adjustable.
 13. The carrier ofclaim 12, wherein the connection device includes a clasp having one of amale portion and a female portion connected to the point, and the otherof the male portion and the female portion connected to the main strap,the male portion and the female portion being engageable with oneanother.
 14. The carrier of claim 12, further comprising an adjustableconnection strap extending between the main strap and the clasp.
 15. Thecarrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes a mesh material.
 16. Thecarrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes a solid material. 17.The carrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes multipleinterconnected panels.
 18. An athletic ball carrier comprising: aretaining means for retaining a ball, the retaining means including: anenclosing means for at least partially enclosing the ball, the enclosingmeans having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a cavityhaving an opening for receiving the ball; a securing means forselectively securing the ball within the enclosing means, the securingmeans extending across the opening and having a first end connected tothe enclosing means and a second end releaseably connected to theenclosing means opposite the first end; a connecting means forrealeasably connecting the second end of the securing means to theenclosing means; and a carrying means for carrying the retaining meansand the ball, the carrying means including a carrying strap connected tothe enclosing means.
 19. The carrier of claim 17, further comprising anadjustment means for adjusting the length of the carrying strap.
 20. Thecarrier of claim 17, wherein the connection means includes a clasphaving one of a male portion and a female portion connected to thesecond end, and the other of the male portion and the female portionconnected to the enclosing means, the male portion and the femaleportion being engageable with one another.